Final bridge blast on Thursday

The final 600-foot section of the old Madison-Milton Bridge is scheduled to be demolished at 9 a.m. Thursday, weather permitting.

Because of the span's proximity to downtown Milton, those in homes and businesses in the 1,000-foot safety area are being asked to stay indoors starting at 8:45 a.m. until after the blast.

Walsh Construction will distribute informational flyers to all impacted businesses and residents within the perimeter. Spectators must remain outside the safety perimeter, which will be strictly enforced by law enforcement officials.

The new bridge will close at 9 a.m. and is expected to reopen to traffic by 11 a.m. River traffic will be closed at 9 a.m. and will reopen shortly after the blast.

Once the old truss is completely removed, the original piers will be widened to accommodate the new 40-foot-wide bridge which is currently on temporary piers.

The final step comes later this year, when the new bridge will be slid onto the renovated original piers.